Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba – Grand Chief Garrison Settee of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) says recent comments by Ian Bushie, Manitoba’s Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures, demonstrate a continued failure by the Province of Manitoba to listen to First Nations and take meaningful action to protect and uphold constitutionally protected Treaty rights.
During Question Period in the Manitoba Legislature, Minister Bushie stated:
“…And let’s be clear, game hunting areas across Manitoba are open and they’re open with the support of Indigenous nations.”
MKO rejects this assertion.
Multiple First Nations, including Misipawistik Cree Nation, Pimicikamak Cree Nation, and Bloodvein First Nation have publicly called for closures and restrictions on licensed moose hunting due to concerns about declining moose populations within their traditional territories. These First Nations have repeatedly raised concerns regarding provincial hunting allocations, population surveys, and the issuance of licences without transparency and meaningful consultation, including Manitoba’s failure engage the Duty to Consult.  Misipawistik and Pimicikamak are also currently challenging the Province in court over moose hunting issues.
In 2024, 2025 and again in 2026, Misipawistik and Pimicikamak have each called for a cancellation of the Big Game Draw and licenced moose hunting within the Game Hunting Areas within their respective Traditional Territories.  Misipawistik has also called for a voluntary closure of all moose hunting in GHA 10, 15 and 15A in 2026.  Pimicikamak has consistently called on Manitoba to further prohibit all licenced hunting in Game Hunting Areas 3 and 3A that fall within the Cross Lake Registered Trap Line to comply with Article 15 of the Northern Flood Agreement.  Misipawistik and Pimicikamak have posted large notices in the Winnipeg Free Press and issued media statements.  Bloodvein First Nation has called on Manitoba to protect moose populations and to reduce moose tags and hunting licences in GHA 17, 17A and 17B.
“MKO stands with Chief Lisa Young and Bloodvein First Nation, Chief David Monias and Pimicikamak Okimawin, and Chief Heidi Cook and Misipawistik Cree Nation as they take action and work to protect their Treaty rights and the future of moose populations in their territories.”
“Minister Bushie is not listening,” Grand Chief Settee continued. “The Province must protect moose populations and must legally respect First Nations’ Treaty rights and take concrete steps to take First Nation needs into account before allocating moose tags and hunting licences.  Manitoba must also ensure that First Nations harvest rights are accorded a top priority over recreational and licensed hunting.  Minister Bushie must uphold the acknowledged constitutional rule of law in Canada and ensure the meaningful exercise of Treaty rights.” 
MKO reiterates its longstanding position that Manitoba must immediately suspend licensed moose hunting in areas where First Nations have identified conservation concerns and that Minister Bushie must work collaboratively with affected First Nations.
MKO maintains that Manitoba cannot allocate hunting licences to non-rights holders without first ensuring that the harvesting needs of First Nations are respected and prioritized.
MKO also emphasizes that Manitoba’s obligations extend beyond domestic constitutional law. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms Indigenous Peoples’ rights to maintain their cultural traditions, subsistence practices and relationships with traditional lands and resources. MKO has previously called on governments to clearly articulate and implement policies that meaningfully recognize and affirm First Nation rights rather than allowing misinformation and conflict to flourish in the absence of clear commitments.
Rejecting Minister Bushie’s suggestion that political criticism is dividing Manitobans, Grand Chief Settee said: “Protecting moose is not about division. This is about conservation and respect for the Constitution, the Treaties and First Nations rights. Manitoba must stop ignoring our voices, the Treaties and the Constitution and start working with First Nations in a meaningful way before further damage is done to the relationship between First Nations and the Crown.
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